William Shakespeare: The Tragedy of Coriolanus

ACT I. 1. SCENE I. Rome. A street. (continued)

COMINIUS.
You have fought together.

MARCIUS.
Were half to half the world by the ears, and he
Upon my party, I'd revolt, to make
Only my wars with him: he is a lion
That I am proud to hunt.

FIRST SENATOR.
Then, worthy Marcius,
Attend upon Cominius to these wars.

COMINIUS.
It is your former promise.

MARCIUS.
Sir, it is;
And I am constant.--Titus Lartius, thou
Shalt see me once more strike at Tullus' face.
What, art thou stiff? stand'st out?

TITUS LARTIUS.
No, Caius Marcius;
I'll lean upon one crutch and fight with the other
Ere stay behind this business.

MENENIUS.
O, true bred!

FIRST SENATOR.
Your company to the Capitol; where, I know,
Our greatest friends attend us.

TITUS LARTIUS.
Lead you on.
Follow, Cominius; we must follow you;
Right worthy your priority.

COMINIUS.
Noble Marcius!

FIRST SENATOR.
Hence to your homes; be gone!
[To the Citizens.]

MARCIUS.
Nay, let them follow:
The Volsces have much corn; take these rats thither
To gnaw their garners.--Worshipful mutineers,
Your valour puts well forth: pray follow.

[Exeunt Senators, COM., MAR, TIT., and MENEN. Citizens steal
away.]

SICINIUS.
Was ever man so proud as is this Marcius?

BRUTUS.
He has no equal.

SICINIUS.
When we were chosen tribunes for the people,--

BRUTUS.
Mark'd you his lip and eyes?

SICINIUS.
Nay, but his taunts!

BRUTUS.
Being mov'd, he will not spare to gird the gods.